Project Based Learning (PBL) is a method of instruction that teachers use by combining different learning styles in a somewhat structured project to entice the students to solve real-world problems, while integrating class curriculum. Teachers can provide an outline or a guide to keep the students within boundaries of a certain topic, but if done correctly, students will not feel limited to the traditional classroom-type learning. Students are able to work collaboratively and independently, doing many sorts of tasks that relate to, and help solve, the specific problem. Some of these tasks include (but are not limited to): reasearching the internet, hypothesizing, collecting and analyzing data, creating documents to map/graph findings, sharing information through the internet, etc. Depending on the project, many core subjects can be used within the project (math, reading, writing, science). Alongside the core subjects being used, students are also practicing "life skills" such as communication, teamwork, research, technology use, and problem solving. These are all factors in developing and improving critical thinking skills in Bloom's Taxonomy of Cognitive Objectives.
Why Should We Use Project Based Learning in Education?
PBL is very important to integrate into education because it teaches students real-world skills (that are not generally practiced much in traditional education) combined with the standard curriculum. Students receive more of a "rich" learning environment, where they are more captivated to learn. The way that students learn best is when they become curious about what they are learning - and one of the best ways to provide them with a sense of curiosity is to let them explore different problem solving strategies to find solutions to a given problem. Students who are able to "wander" from a textbook into something that is more interesting to them and their peers are more likely to participate and succeed.
To Make Your Own PBL Lesson:
Begin with the end in mind.
What do the students already know (curriculum-wise), and what do they need to learn?
What real-world skills should the students be practicing?
Are the students ready to undertake this task?
Craft the driving question.
Take a real-world problem and restructure it into an age appropriate, significant, and meaningful question. The question should require higher-level thinking skills to answer it.
Plan the assessment.
Every project should be driven by an explicit set of outcomes that encompass the content and skills students are expected to learn. The assessment is shared with students at the beginning of the project and throughout the process.
Set high but achievable standards, and make sure to acknowledge students' improvements.
Map the project.
A project map is the step-by-step process the students go through to complete the project. It provides the sequence of activities, structures the project, and directs students. The project should be centered around hands-on activities and should include plans for differentiation.
Allow some room for students wander a bit off the step-by-step path. It leads to opportunities for more learning.
Manage the process.
Although PBL looks chaotic, successful projects are carefully managed by teachers. Teachers become facilitators and guides. Students learn to manage themselves and take responsibility for their own work. Self-assessment is built into the project. Teachers can manage the process through checkpoints, milestones, employing problem-solving skills, and using authentic assessment
Integrate technology throughout the project.
The integration of technology should be seamless and meaningful. This means employing the use of technology in ways that make sense and enhance the experience. PBL projects that truly integrate technology cannot be completed without it.
Identify specific forms of technology to be used. There are numerous forms of technology available...from basics such as the internet, computers, printers, scanners, and document cameras to cutting edge technology such as SMART boards, cell phones, digital cameras, and GPS devices (to name a few).
Describe how the technology listed will be used. Make sure readers have a clear understanding of how to use the technology required to complete the project.
This website introduces the idea of Project Based Learning and how it ties in with the curriculum. It also has examples of projects that have been successful in the past and has resources more about project based learning.
This website provides a clear description of what projects based learning is. Interactive websites and and real life applications are included. This is a great resource to managing PBL and how to apply it into the curriculum.
Creating Innovation Through Project Based Learning
(Miriam Choi, Stephanie Graham, Sarah MacDonald, Samantha Mortimer, Christine Westhoff)
What Is Project-Based Learning?
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a method of instruction that teachers use by combining different learning styles in a somewhat structured project to entice the students to solve real-world problems, while integrating class curriculum. Teachers can provide an outline or a guide to keep the students within boundaries of a certain topic, but if done correctly, students will not feel limited to the traditional classroom-type learning. Students are able to work collaboratively and independently, doing many sorts of tasks that relate to, and help solve, the specific problem. Some of these tasks include (but are not limited to): reasearching the internet, hypothesizing, collecting and analyzing data, creating documents to map/graph findings, sharing information through the internet, etc. Depending on the project, many core subjects can be used within the project (math, reading, writing, science). Alongside the core subjects being used, students are also practicing "life skills" such as communication, teamwork, research, technology use, and problem solving. These are all factors in developing and improving critical thinking skills in Bloom's Taxonomy of Cognitive Objectives.Why Should We Use Project Based Learning in Education?
PBL is very important to integrate into education because it teaches students real-world skills (that are not generally practiced much in traditional education) combined with the standard curriculum. Students receive more of a "rich" learning environment, where they are more captivated to learn. The way that students learn best is when they become curious about what they are learning - and one of the best ways to provide them with a sense of curiosity is to let them explore different problem solving strategies to find solutions to a given problem. Students who are able to "wander" from a textbook into something that is more interesting to them and their peers are more likely to participate and succeed.To Make Your Own PBL Lesson:
Resources:
Go To: Collaborative Brainstorm (page 2) , Our Red Wiggler Recyclers (page 3)